Delerium - Chimera [CD]

Delerium's Rhys Fulber and Bill Leeb lighten up their sound on Chimera, as the darker fixations of early records like Morpheus retreat yet further into the background. After Sarah McLachlan's lovely turn on the single "Silence," and the massive success of 1997's Karma, the duo have dutifully embraced their winning combination of ethereal female vocalists and ambient dance-pop. On Chimera, the formula yields a few worthy singles, such as the limber and catchy "Love" and "Run For It" (featuring Sixpence None The Richer's Leigh Nash). And while the record too often settles for disposable, bland pop ("Touched" and "Magic," for instance), it also delivers potent hooks and moments of inspiration that will keep the band's fan base happy.